Downfall

The real Hitler, could be charming to associates, kind to children, gracious to women, as well as a murderer of millions. The fact one person, could so mold and twist the culture and conscience of a nation, so that it would turn its back on unspeakable atrocities is a lesson none of us should forget.

“Downfall” — one of this year’s Oscar nominees - is about Hitler’s disintegration and death, played out in a bunker beneath Berlin. Swiss actor Bruno Ganz is mesmerizing in his portrayal of Hitler as both maniacal and mundane — and ultimately impotent. But the real story is in the blind devotion others — like the Goebbels — displayed as they killed their children and followed him in suicide. The film is based largely on the book written by Hitler’s young secretary, the late Traudi Junge, who witnessed it all, and appears in the film’s epilogue.

Ninety percent of critics surveyed gave ”Downfall” high marks. Four out of five from The Arizona Republic. “Painstaking and sometimes painful, said The New York Times. Four out of four from Roger Ebert. B from Entertainment Weekly. And Rex Reed called it an intense, incredibly exciting drama. I say 3 1/2 out of 4.

“Downfall” is not officially unrated, but it would probably be classified as R for thematic material and war violence.